On the winter solstice, the National Park Service lost one of its most enduring figures, Betty Reid Soskin, who passed away at the age of 104 in Richmond, California.
Life and Legacy
Betty Reid Soskin’s life spanned more than a century of American history, from the era of segregation to the modern age of diversity and inclusion. Her story is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the power of storytelling.
She began her career as a volunteer ranger in the 1970s, and after decades of service, she became a permanent employee of the National Park Service in 2011.
Her appointment came after a grant project that sought to uncover the overlooked narratives of Black Americans who worked in the United States during World War II. The project’s success led to a temporary position with the park service when she was 84.
In 2022, after more than 50 years of dedication, Soskin retired, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire park visitors and educators alike.
Beyond her ranger duties, she served as a docent at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park museum, where she shared stories of women and minorities who contributed to the war effort.
Her commitment to education extended to the classroom, where she mentored young people and emphasized the importance of historical accuracy and representation.
The family’s announcement on NBC Bay Area was concise yet heartfelt, stating that she “passed peacefully at her home in Richmond on Sunday morning.”
They added: “This morning on the Winter Solstice, our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Betty Reid Soskin, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond, CA at 104 years old. She was attended by family. She led a fully packed life and was ready to leave,”.
The statement underscores the sense of closure that the family feels, describing her as a fully packed life and ready to leave.
Soskin was recognized as the nation’s oldest park ranger at the time of her death, a title that reflected her lifelong commitment to preserving history and serving the public.
Her work on the grant to tell untold stories of Black Americans during the war was pioneering, giving voice to those whose contributions had long been overlooked.
The family has encouraged those who wish to honor her memory to make donations to the Betty Reid Soskin Middle School, an institution that bears her name and continues her mission of education.
They also support the completion of her film, Sign My Name to Freedom, which aims to bring her personal narrative to a broader audience.
The film, still unfinished at the time of her passing, is a testament to her dedication to storytelling and advocacy.
Soskin’s impact extends beyond her lifetime, influencing new generations of park rangers, historians, and activists.
Her legacy is a reminder that history is alive and that every story deserves to be told.
The National Park Service has expressed its gratitude for her contributions and will honor her memory in future commemorations.
Her life story is now part of the living history that the parks preserve, and her influence will continue to be felt for decades.
In the wake of her passing, communities are coming together to celebrate her achievements and to ensure her stories endure.
Key Takeaways
- Betty Reid Soskin died at 104 on the winter solstice, leaving a legacy of service and storytelling.
- She was the nation’s oldest park ranger, a permanent employee since 2011, and a docent at the Rosie the Riveter museum.
- Donations to the middle school and her unfinished film honor her memory and continue her mission.
Betty Reid Soskin’s life exemplifies how one individual can bridge past and present, ensuring that the voices of those who served are never forgotten.
